JP3163552B2 - Electrostatic latent image developing device and toner cartridge applied thereto - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus used in an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine or a laser printer, and more particularly, to replenish toner by replacing a toner cartridge. And a toner cartridge applied to the electrostatic latent image developing device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electrostatic latent image developing device used in an image generator applies a toner to an electrostatic latent image to be developed formed on a photosensitive member and develops the toner into a toner image. Therefore, the toner is consumed as the development is performed, and it is necessary to replenish the toner to the electrostatic latent image developing device after performing the development many times. Toner replenishment is required to be easy to operate, and a toner replenishment system for replenishing toner by replacing a toner cartridge is generally employed. In the electrostatic latent image developing device employing such a toner replenishment method, a toner cartridge accommodating means is provided, and a toner cartridge is detachably mounted on the toner cartridge accommodating means. A toner receiving opening is formed in the toner cartridge housing means. The toner cartridge includes a container having a toner discharge opening, toner contained in the container, and sealing means for closing the toner discharge opening. Normally, the toner discharge opening is formed on the lower wall of the container, and the sealing means is constituted by a tape member releasably attached to the lower wall of the container. When the toner cartridge is mounted at a predetermined mounting position of the toner cartridge storage means, the toner discharge opening of the toner cartridge is positioned opposite the toner receiving opening of the toner cartridge storage means. After the toner cartridge is mounted at a predetermined position of the toner cartridge accommodating means, when the tape member is peeled from the container to open the toner discharge opening, the toner in the container is discharged into the toner receiving opening through the toner discharge opening, and thus the electrostatic discharge is performed. The toner is supplied to the latent image developing device. The tape member is typically peeled from the container by gripping and pulling on one end thereof.

In a toner cartridge, when the toner is consumed and replaced, it is desirable to re-cover the toner discharge opening of the container in order to prevent scattering of the residual toner. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-224364 discloses a technique for satisfying the above-mentioned requirements, in which a sliding member is attached to a container in connection with a toner discharge opening of a container, and a tape member adhered to the container is connected to the sliding member. A toner cartridge is disclosed. In such a toner cartridge, when the sliding member is moved in a predetermined direction with respect to the container, the tape member is peeled from the container, and the toner discharge opening is opened. When detaching the toner cartridge from the toner cartridge accommodating means, the sliding member can be returned to the initial position, and the toner discharge opening can be covered with the tape member.

In the toner cartridge disclosed in JP-A-58-224364, the toner discharge opening can be closed again by the tape member by returning the sliding member to the initial position. It is not always easy to return the sliding member to its initial position when the toner cartridge is mounted at the predetermined mounting position of the storage means. Also, when the toner discharge opening is opened and the toner discharge opening is closed again, the portion where the toner discharge opening was closed in the initial state, that is, the portion where the toner adheres to a small extent, moves while being exposed to the outside. At this time, the toner may be scattered around. Furthermore, in order to hold the sliding member moved to one side from the toner discharge opening without discarding it, it is necessary to maintain the sliding member moved to one side of the container in its biased position. ,
As a result, there is a problem that the toner cartridge housing means becomes excessively bulky.

As a technique for solving such a problem, the present applicant has proposed the invention described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-19625. The technique described in the publication is configured such that a sealing means for closing a toner discharge opening of a container is constituted by a tape member which is movable across the toner discharge opening. The toner is discharged from the container through the toner discharge opening and the toner passage opening formed in the toner cartridge accommodating means by moving the toner passage opening and positioning the toner passage opening at the toner discharge opening of the container.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9625 discloses that a tape member constituting a sealing means is provided with a toner passage opening, so that when the toner in the container is consumed and the tape member is wound up when the toner cartridge is replaced, the tape member is closed. Due to the low rigidity at the toner passage opening of the member,
In some cases, the tape member is displaced to the center or to one side and cannot reliably cover the toner discharge opening. There is also a problem that the tape member may be damaged at the toner passage opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and a main technical problem thereof is that when a toner cartridge is taken out from a toner cartridge accommodating means, a toner discharge opening is easily and reliably closed, and a container is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved electrostatic latent image developing device and a toner cartridge applied to such an electrostatic latent image developing device, which can sufficiently prevent the toner staying in the toner from scattering.

Another technical problem of the present invention is that the operation of mounting the toner cartridge to be mounted on the toner cartridge accommodating means from the mounting / dismounting position to the predetermined mounting position and from the predetermined mounting position to the mounting / dismounting position is performed by the operator. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic latent image developing device which can be automatically performed only by instructing removal.

Still another technical problem of the present invention is that when a toner cartridge in which toner has been consumed is taken out of a toner cartridge accommodating means, contamination of an operator's hand and surroundings due to residual toner and the like can be prevented. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrostatic latent image developing device and a toner cartridge applied to the electrostatic latent image developing device.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided a container having a toner discharge opening, toner contained in the container, a sealing tape for closing the toner discharge opening, and A toner cartridge having a take-up means for winding the seal tape; and a toner cartridge accommodating means having a toner receiving opening for detachably attaching the toner cartridge, wherein a toner cartridge accommodating means is provided at a predetermined mounting position of the toner cartridge accommodating means. In the electrostatic latent image developing device, when the toner cartridge is mounted, the toner discharge opening is positioned to face the toner receiving opening.
The toner cartridge includes a shutter member disposed on one edge side of the toner discharge opening and configured to be movable to the other edge side across the toner discharge opening and covers the toner discharge opening. Shutter operation means for moving the leading edge of the shutter member from one side of the toner discharge opening to the other side; the toner receiving opening of the toner cartridge accommodating means is formed larger than the toner discharge opening; A seal member is provided along the periphery of the toner receiving opening, and the seal member and the lower surface wall of the container provided with the toner discharge opening are configured to be in pressure contact with each other, and the seal tape is provided inside the pressure contact portion. An electrostatic latent image developing device mounted on the lower surface wall is provided.

According to the present invention, a toner cartridge including a container having a toner discharge opening, toner contained in the container, and a sealing tape for closing the toner discharge opening, and a toner cartridge having a toner receiving opening are provided. A toner cartridge accommodating means for detachably mounting the cartridge, and disposed on one side of the toner discharge opening in the toner cartridge, and configured to be movable to the other side across the toner discharge opening and cover the toner discharge opening A shutter member, a toner cartridge lifting / lowering means for moving the toner cartridge to a mounting / detaching position and a predetermined mounting position, a seal tape winding means for winding the seal tape, and a tip end of the shutter member being a part of the toner discharge opening. Shutter operating means for moving from the edge side to the other edge side, and mounting and removing the toner cartridge Command means for outputting a signal; and control means for controlling the operation of the toner cartridge elevating means, the seal tape winding means, and the shutter operating means based on the signal from the command means. ,
Based on the toner cartridge mounting signal from the command means,
After the toner cartridge elevating means is operated to move the toner cartridge to a predetermined mounting position, the seal tape winding means is operated to wind up the seal tape. After actuating the elevating means to position the toner cartridge at the shutter operating position which is elevated by a predetermined amount from the predetermined mounting position, the shutter operating means is operated to move the leading edge of the shutter member from one edge side of the toner discharge opening to the other edge side. , And thereafter, the toner cartridge lifting / lowering means is operated to position the toner cartridge at the attachment / detachment position, thereby providing an electrostatic latent image developing device.

Further, according to the present invention, a container having a toner discharge opening, a toner contained in the container, and a seal member which is releasably attached to a periphery of the toner discharge opening and closes the toner discharge opening. And a shutter member disposed on one side of the toner discharge opening and movable to the other side across the toner discharge opening. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0013]

According to the electrostatic latent image developing device of the present invention, when the toner cartridge is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means and the operator turns on the toner cartridge mounting switch, the control means operates the elevating means so that the toner cartridge is moved to a predetermined position. Position at loading position. Thereafter, the control means activates the seal tape winding means to wind up the seal tape, thereby opening the toner discharge opening, and discharging the toner contained in the container through the toner discharge opening. When removing the toner cartridge in which the toner has been consumed from the toner cartridge storage means, the control means operates the elevating means to raise the toner cartridge to the shutter operation position, and then operates the shutter operation means to move the shutter member. Then, the toner discharge opening is covered by the shutter member, and thereafter, the lifting / lowering means is operated to move the toner cartridge to the attachment / detachment position.

[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrostatic latent image developing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG.
The illustrated electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 includes a developing section 4, a toner conveying section 6, and a toner supplying section 8. The developing section 4 includes an appropriate developing mechanism 10 such as a magnetic brush developing mechanism. The developing mechanism includes a so-called two-component developer containing a toner and a carrier,
2 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the rotating drum 12 into a toner image. The toner is carried into the developing unit 4 from the toner conveying unit 6 in accordance with the consumption of the toner in the developing unit 4. The toner supply unit 8 includes a toner cartridge storage unit 14 and the toner cartridge storage unit 1.
4 and a toner cartridge 16 removably mounted on the toner cartridge 16. As will be described in more detail later, the toner T is stored in the toner cartridge 16 as shown in FIG. The electrostatic latent image developing device 2 and the rotating drum 12 are disposed in a housing (not shown) of an image forming machine such as an electrostatic copying machine or a laser printer. The developing action section 4 and the toner conveying section 6 in the illustrated electrostatic latent image developing device 2 do not constitute a new feature in the electrostatic latent image developing device improved according to the present invention, and they themselves have a known form. Therefore, the details of these components will not be described herein.

Referring to FIG. 2 together with FIG. 1, the toner cartridge accommodating means 14 of the toner supply section 8 will be described.
Includes a stationary support frame 24. The support frame 24 has a bottom wall 26 extending substantially horizontally, an upright rear wall 28 extending upward from a rear edge of the bottom wall 26, and upright side walls 30 and 32 extending upward from both side edges of the bottom wall 26. The upright rear wall 28 and the upright side walls 30 and 32 each have a double wall structure, and a space is formed between the walls. A rectangular toner receiving opening 34 is formed in the center area of the bottom wall 26 in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1). A seal member 36 made of a cushioning material extending along the periphery of the toner receiving opening 34 is joined to the upper surface of the bottom wall 26. This seal member 36 is formed of a flexible material such as a foamed resin. A short shaft 40 projecting horizontally is fixed to the rear portion of the side wall 32, and a gear 42 constituting a sealing tape winding means is rotatably mounted on the short shaft 40. The gear 42 is operatively connected to an electric motor M1 as a drive source via a transmission means 43 including a gear train. In addition, a rectangular notch 44 is formed inside the lower part of the rear wall 28,
The gear 42 projects forward through the notch 44. As will become clear from the description below, the gear 4
Reference numeral 2 denotes an output unit that is drivingly connected to an input unit that includes a gear provided in the toner cartridge 16.

The toner cartridge accommodating means 14 includes a means 50 for raising and lowering the toner cartridge 16. The elevating means 50 has a short axis 52 on each of the side walls 30 and 32.
Gear 56 rotatably supported by the
And 58. Lifting pins 60 and 62 projecting substantially horizontally inward are disposed on inner surfaces of the lifting gears 56 and 58 facing each other. The one raising / lowering gear 56 is electrically connected to an electric motor M2 as a driving source via a power transmission mechanism 64 such as a gear mechanism and a timing belt mechanism. In addition, circular openings 35 and 37 are formed on the inner side walls constituting the side walls 30 and 32, respectively, to allow rotation of a lifting pin described later. The lifting gears 56 and 58 are respectively associated with connection gears 68 and 70 mounted on both ends of a connection shaft 66 disposed in the rear wall 28 and rotatably supported on the side walls 30 and 32, respectively. It has been combined. Accordingly, when the lifting gear 56 is driven by the driving force of the electric motor M2 via the power transmission mechanism 64, the driving force is transmitted to the lifting gear 58 via the connecting gear 68, the connecting shaft 66 and the connecting gear 70, The lifting gear 58 is adapted to be rotated at the same speed as the lifting gear 56. In addition, the one lifting gear 56 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a cam 57 constituting a lifting pin position detecting means is provided on the outer surface. The first corresponding to the cam 57
And second lifting pin position detection switches SWI and SW2
Are arranged. The cam 57 and the two lifting pin position detection switches SWI and SW2 are connected to the toner cartridge 16.
3A, the first lifting pin position detection switch SWI is engaged with the small diameter portion 57a of the cam 57 and is OFF, and the second lifting pin The position detection switch SW2 is engaged with the large diameter portion 57b of the cam 57 and is ON. In the state shown in FIG. 3B in which the elevating gear 56 rotates in the direction of the arrow from the state of FIG. 3A and the elevating pin 60 is positioned at the lowest point, that is, in the state shown in FIG. Position detection switch SWI
Is engaged with the large diameter portion 57b of the cam 57 and is ON, and the second lifting pin position detection switch SW2 is engaged with the small diameter portion 57a of the cam 57 and is OFF. Further, from the state shown in FIG. 3B, the elevating gear 56 is turned by 30 ° in the direction of the arrow.
The second up-and-down pin position detection switch SW2 is engaged with the large diameter portion 57b of the cam 57 and turned on at a position rotated to a degree, that is, a shutter operation position shown in FIG.

The toner cartridge accommodating means 14 has a shutter operating means 72. The shutter operating means 7
Reference numeral 2 denotes a drive shaft 74 disposed below the bottom wall 26 at the rear end of the toner cartridge accommodating means 14. The drive shaft 74 is rotatably supported by side walls 31 and 33 formed so as to protrude from the lower surface of the bottom wall 26. A gear 76 is mounted on the drive shaft 74, and a power transmission mechanism 78 such as a gear mechanism is provided. Electric motor M3 which is a driving source through
Transmission connection. Pulleys 80 and 82 are mounted on both ends of the drive shaft 74. The pulleys 80 and 82 are attached to the drive shaft 74 so as to be located outside both side edges of the rectangular toner receiving opening 34. Pulleys 84 and 86 are disposed in front of the toner receiving opening 34 below the bottom wall 26 so as to face the pulleys 80 and 82. The pulleys 84 and 86 are provided with short shafts 88 provided on the side walls 31 and 33.
And 90 are rotatably mounted respectively. Pulley 80
, A pulley 84, a pulley 82, and a pulley 86 are wound with timing belts 92 and 94, respectively. Shutter sliders 96 and 98 are mounted on the timing belts 92 and 94, respectively. Accordingly, the shutter sliders 96 and 98 move between the pulleys 80 and 84 and between the pulleys 82 and 86 as the timing belts 92 and 94 operate, and the pulleys 80 and 82
When moving from the side to the pulley 84 and the pulley 86 side, a shutter member described later is operated. In connection with the movement of the shutter slider 96, the pulley 8
As shown in FIG. 1, first and second
Slider position detection switches SW3 and SW4. The first slider position detection switch SW3 turns on when the shutter slider 96 reaches a predetermined position on the pulley 80 side, and the second slider position detection switch SW4 switches the shutter slider 96 from the pulley 80 side to a predetermined position on the pulley 84 side. It turns on when it is returned.
A toner cartridge detection switch SW5 is provided on the rear wall 28 of the toner cartridge accommodating means 14.

The toner cartridge 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 together with FIG. The illustrated toner cartridge 16 includes a synthetic resin container 100 formed integrally or by joining two or more components to each other, and a base portion 102 mounted on a lower end of the synthetic resin container 100. Is provided. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the disassembled state of the synthetic resin container 100 and the base portion 102 as viewed from the bottom, and FIG.
Is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 16 in which the synthetic resin container 100 and the base portion 102 are assembled, as viewed from the bottom. Container 100 constituting toner cartridge 16
Has a box-shaped main portion 104 in which the toner T is stored. The upper half of the main portion 104 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, while the lower half has a truncated pyramid shape portion followed by a relatively small rectangular parallelepiped portion. In other words, in the lower half of the main portion 104, all of the four side walls are inclined inward and extend downward, and then extend substantially vertically downward. Main part 10
4, two toner discharge openings 108a and 108b are formed in parallel in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 5, the direction from the lower left to the upper right in FIG. 4). The toner discharge openings 108a and 108b may be rectangular. As will be readily understood by referring to FIG. 5, the lower surface wall 106 has a front overhang 110 and a rear overhang 112 extending forward and backward. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower surface wall 106 has side projections 114 and 116, and locking claws 115 and 117 are formed at the rear ends thereof. The container 100 also has an intermediate wall 119 extending in the width direction above the rear overhanging portion 112 constituting the lower surface wall 106. As clearly shown in FIG. 4, the lower wall 106 has a fusion ridge 118a surrounding the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b, respectively.
And 118b are formed. Both sides of each of the fusion ridges 118a and 118b extend straight, while the front and rear parts extend inclining forward and rearward from both sides toward the center in the width direction, respectively, and triangularly extend forward and rearward. It protrudes in shape. Note that the toner discharge openings 108a and 108
b shows a state in which the bottom wall 2 is in a state where the toner cartridge 16 is mounted at a predetermined position of the toner cartridge accommodating means 14.
6 and is opposed to the toner receiving opening 34 formed in the toner container 6. Further, the toner receiving opening 3 formed in the bottom wall 26 is formed.
4 is larger than the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b, so that the lower surface wall 106 of the container 100 is
The inside of the pressure contact portion that comes into contact with the seal member 36 mounted along the periphery of the toner receiving opening 34, that is, the toner discharge opening 1
A space S is formed between the gaps 08a and 108b.

Continuing the description with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5,
On both sides of the lower end on the rear wall side of the synthetic resin container 100, both upright walls 120 and 122 connected to the side projections 114 and 116 are provided. The two upright walls 1
At 20 and 122, a rear overhang portion 112 of the lower surface wall 106 is provided.
Take-up shaft 12 which constitutes take-up means disposed above
4 is rotatably mounted. The take-up shaft 124 is disposed so as to extend in the width direction along the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b, and one end of the take-up shaft 124 projects outward through the side upright wall 122. The gear 126 is fixed to. As will be further described later, the gear 126 is provided with the above-described toner cartridge accommodating means 1.
4 constitutes an input means which is drivingly connected to the gear 42 provided in the apparatus 4.

The toner cartridge 16 further includes seal tapes 128a and 128b disposed in relation to the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b. The seal tapes 128a and 128b are disposed inside the pressure contact portion that comes into contact with the seal member 36, that is, in the space S. Seal tapes 128a and 12
8b is formed from an appropriate synthetic resin film. One end of each of the seal tapes 128a and 128b is attached to the rear overhang portion 112 side, extends forward along the lower surface wall 106, and extends to the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b.
And reaches the front overhang 110. Seal tapes 128a and 128b extending along the lower surface wall 148 and covering the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b are releasably attached to the lower surface wall 106. Such a peelable sticking is performed by attaching the sealing tapes 128a and 128b to the fusion ridge 118a formed on the outer surface of the lower surface wall 106.
, And 118b. The sealing tapes 128a and 128b further include
It is folded back at the front side (left side in FIG. 4) of the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b and extends rearward, and then passes behind the rear overhanging portion 112 and the other end edge is connected to the winding shaft 124 constituting the winding means. Are linked.

The description will be continued with reference to FIGS.
The toner cartridge 16 further includes a shutter member 130.
Is provided. The shutter member 130 includes a shutter sheet 132 and an engaging member 134 attached to a tip of the shutter sheet 132. The shutter sheet 132 is made of an appropriate synthetic resin film having a higher rigidity than the seal tapes 128a and 128b, and has a width sufficient to cover the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b. The engagement member 134 is formed of a rigid synthetic resin, is configured to be longer than the width of the shutter sheet 132, and is welded to the front end of the shutter sheet 132 with both ends protruding. The shutter member 130 thus configured is provided with an engagement member 134.
The shutter sliders 96 and 9 are located on the lower side of the front overhang portion 110 of the synthetic resin container 100 and outside the pressure contact portion with the seal member 36 (left side in FIG. 5).
8 is disposed on the rear side (the right side in FIG. 5), and the other end extends upward through the front end of the front extension 110 and is stored.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 102 mounted on the lower end of the synthetic resin container 100 is made of synthetic resin, and has a front wall 140 and a rear wall 142.
And side walls 144 and 146, and a bottom wall 148.
At 48, an opening 156 larger than the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b is formed. The base 102 is fitted to the lower end of the synthetic resin container 100 and is assembled integrally with the container 100. On the rear wall 142 defining the rear edge of the opening 156 of the base portion 102, a flange 158 facing the rear end of the rear overhang portion 112 of the synthetic resin container 100 is formed in the width direction. The wiping sponge 160 is attached to the. The base 10
2 rear wall 142, flange 158 and wiping sponge 16
Reference numeral 0 denotes a rear overhanging portion 112 constituting the lower surface wall 106 of the container 100, the intermediate wall 115, and both upright walls 120, 1
22 to form a closed space 161 above the lower surface wall,
The winding portion of the winding shaft 124 is disposed in the closed space 161. The front part 150 of the bottom wall 148 is
Thirty engagement members 134 are supported, and both sides 152 and 154 of the bottom wall 148 have a function of guiding the engagement members 134 when the shutter member 130 is operated.
On both sides 152 and 154 constituting the bottom wall 148, there are provided elongated guide holes 162 and 164 from the front wall 140 to the rear wall 142 for the shutter sliders 96 and 98 to move. An elongate hole 162 is formed in one side wall 146 of the base 102.
The winding shaft 124 is fitted.

The base portion 102 has side walls 144 and 146.
And cam grooves 170a and 170b with which lifting pins 60 and 62 attached to lifting gears 56 and 58 constituting the lifting means 50 are engaged. In addition, please refer to FIG. 1 for one cam groove 170a. The cam grooves 170a and 170b are provided with input / output portions 172a and 172b extending vertically from the lower end and the input / output portions 172a and 172b.
b has operating portions 174a and 174b formed continuously with the upper end of the second member b and extending substantially in the horizontal direction. The operating part 174a
And 174b are defined by upper walls 175a and 175b, first lower walls 176a and 176b, and second lower walls 177a and 177b.

The toner cartridge 16 constructed as described above is mounted on the toner cartridge housing means 14. The mounting operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, when the toner cartridge 16 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means 14 from above,
As shown in FIG. 6, the cam groove 170a (170b) formed in the base portion 102 at the mounting position has an inlet / outlet portion 172a (17b).
2b), the elevating pin 60 (62) attached to the elevating gear 56 (58) fits into the cam groove 170a (170).
b) The upper wall 175a (175b) is
The insertion is restricted by abutting on 2). When the electric motor M2 is driven in this state, the lifting gear 56 (58)
Is rotated in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 3, so that the elevating pins 60 and 62 are connected to the first of the cam grooves 170a and 170b.
The toner cartridge 16 is rotated by engaging with the lower wall 176a (174b). Then, the elevating gear 56 (58) further rotates in the direction of arrow A, and when the elevating pin 60 (62) reaches near the lowermost point, the elevating pin 60 (6).
2) is an inlet / outlet portion 172a of the cam groove 170a (170b).
(172b) and the other second lower wall 177a (1
75b) to lower the toner cartridge 16 to the lowest point shown in FIG. In this state, the lifting pins 60 (6
2) Forcibly push down the toner cartridge 16 and press the lower surface wall 106 of the container 144 against the seal member 36 provided on the bottom wall 26 of the toner cartridge housing means 14. Thus, the toner cartridge 16 is
The elastic member is securely and elastically held at the mounting position shown in FIG.

Next, winding of the seal tapes 128a and 128b mounted on the toner cartridge 16 mounted on the toner cartridge housing means 14 as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. When the toner cartridge 16 is
In the state shown in FIG.
The gear 126 mounted on the gear 24 engages with the gear 42 provided on the toner cartridge housing means 14. When the electric motor M1 constituting the sealing tape winding means is driven in this state, the winding shaft 124 rotates via the transmission means 43, the gear 42 and the gear 126, and the sealing tapes 128a and 128b are wound. Accordingly, the seal tapes 128a and 128b cover the toner discharge openings 108a and 108b shown in FIG. 10 and go through the state of FIG. 11 to completely open the toner discharge openings 150a and 150b as shown in FIG. It is wound up. Thus, the toner discharge opening 15
0a and 150b are opened, the toner T contained in the container 144 is discharged from the toner discharge openings 150a and 150b.
0b and the toner is discharged downward through the toner receiving opening 34, and supplied into the toner conveying unit 6. In addition, winding shaft 1
Seal tapes 128a and 128b wound around
Is stored in the closed space 161, the toner adhered to the seal tapes 128a and 128b may be scattered when the toner cartridge 16 is removed from the toner cartridge accommodating means 14, or the surroundings may be stained by the adhered toner. Absent. Further, the toner discharge opening 108a
Tapes 128a and 128b for covering
Is disposed inside the pressure contact portion that comes into contact with the seal member 36, that is, in the space S, so that the winding shaft 12
4 does not come into contact with the seal member 36 when it is taken up, the seal member 36 is not contaminated with toner, and the elasticity and sealing function caused by the toner entering the seal member 36 are prevented from being reduced. be able to.

The operation when the toner T contained in the container 144 of the toner cartridge 16 is completely consumed and the toner cartridge 16 is replaced with a new one will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIGS. I do. The electric motor M2 is driven from the mounted state of FIG.
6 (58) is rotated in the direction of arrow A, and the elevating pin 60 (6
When 2) reaches the position shown in FIG. 9 which is rotated by approximately 30 ° from the lowermost position, which is the predetermined mounting position, the drive of the electric motor M2 is stopped. As a result, the elevating pins 60 (62) are connected to the upper walls 175a and 175 of the cam grooves 170a and 170b.
b and the toner cartridge 16 is
Move to a position raised by about mm. In this state, when the electric motor M3 of the shutter operating means is driven to rotate forward, the pulley 80 is driven via the power transmission mechanism 78, the gear 76, and the drive shaft 74.
(82) is rotated in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 13, and the timing belt 92 (94) is operated in the direction of arrow D. When the timing belt 92 (94) operates in the direction of arrow D, the shutter slider 96 (9)
8) is moved in the direction of arrow D from the position shown in FIG. With this movement, the shutter slider 96 (98)
Engages with both ends of the engaging member 134 of the shutter member 130, pulls out the shutter member 130, and
Is moved to predetermined positions on the pulley 80 side and the pulley 84 side as shown in FIG. At this position, both ends of both ends of the engaging member 134 are formed on the side projections 114 and 116 constituting the lower surface wall of the container 100.
Is adapted to be engaged. When the shutter member 130 is pulled out in this manner, the toner discharge opening 1
50 a and 150 b are covered by a shutter sheet 132 of the shutter member 130. Next, the electric motor M3 is driven in the reverse direction to rotate the pulley 80 (82) in the direction of arrow E as shown in FIG. 14 as shown in FIG. 14, and to operate the timing belt 92 (94) in the direction of arrow F. Therefore, the shutter slider 96 (98) is returned to a predetermined position on the pulley 84 (86) side as shown in FIG. From this state, when the electric motor M2 is driven and the elevating gear 56 (58) further rotates in the direction of arrow A, the elevating pin 60 (62) engages with the upper wall 175a (173b) of the cam groove 170a (170b) to rotate. Then, the toner cartridge 16 is moved upward, and the state at the time of loading shown in FIG. 6 is obtained. Therefore, the toner cartridge 16 in which the toner has been consumed can be easily taken out of the toner cartridge accommodating unit 14 by pulling it upward. In the old toner cartridge 16 taken out of the toner cartridge accommodating means 14, the toner discharge openings 108 a and 108 b formed in the lower surface wall 148 of the container 144 are closed by the shutter member 130. Even if T remains, the toner T does not scatter around.

The electrostatic latent image developing device in the illustrated embodiment comprises an electric motor M1 constituting the seal tape winding means, an electric motor M2 constituting the elevating means, and an electric motor M3 constituting the shutter operating means. In order to control the operation, a control means 180 shown in FIG. 16 is provided. The control means 180 is constituted by a microcomputer, and has a central processing unit 181 for performing arithmetic processing according to a control program, a ROM 182 for storing a control program and a control map, and a readable and writable RAM 183 for storing arithmetic results and the like. Means 184
, A timer 185, and an input / output interface 186. The control means 180 controls the first and second
Lift position detecting switches SWI and SW2, and the first and second slider position detecting switches SW3 and SW
4. Inputting signals from the toner cartridge detection switch SW5, a toner cartridge mounting switch SW6, a toner cartridge removal switch SW7, and the like, which are command means provided on an operation panel (not shown),
1, M2 and M3 are operated and controlled.

Next, the operation of the electrostatic latent image developing device controlled by the control means 180 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The toner cartridge 16 can be mounted on the toner cartridge housing means 14 as follows. First, the toner cartridge 16 is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means 14 from above to bring it into the state shown in FIG. 6, and when the operator turns on the toner cartridge loading switch SW6, the control means 180 starts operating. As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 180 is provided with a toner cartridge mounting switch SW.
6 is turned on (step S1). If the toner cartridge mounting switch SW6 is turned on, it is checked whether the toner cartridge detection switch SW5 is turned on (step S2). This is to prohibit the operation of the electric motor M2 of the elevating means when the toner cartridge 16 is not inserted in the toner cartridge accommodating means 14. If the toner cartridge detection switch SW5 is ON in step S2, the control unit 180 proceeds to step S3 to drive the electric motor M2 of the elevation unit because the toner cartridge 16 is inserted in the toner cartridge storage unit 14. When the electric motor M2 is driven, as described above, the elevating pin 60 (62)
Are the first and second lower walls 1 of the cam groove 170a (170b).
The toner cartridge 16 rotates by engaging with 76a (176b) and 177a (177b). When the lifting pin 60 (62) reaches the lowest point, the first lifting pin position detection switch SWI is turned on, and the control means 180 turns on the first lifting pin position detection switch SWI. It is checked whether it is (Step S4). First lifting pin position detection switch S
If the WI is not ON, the driving of the electric motor M2 of the lifting / lowering means is continued.
Is located at the predetermined mounting position, the driving of the electric motor M2 of the lifting / lowering means is stopped (step S5). When the toner cartridge 16 is positioned at the predetermined mounting position in this way, the control unit 180 drives the electric motor M1 constituting the sealing tape winding unit (Step S).
6) The timer 185 is set to T1 (step S1).
7). When the electric motor M1 is driven, the winding shaft 12 is driven via the transmission means 43, the gear 42 and the gear 126.
4 rotates, and the seal tapes 128a and 128b are wound up. When the electric motor M1 is driven, the control unit 180
Checks whether or not the time T from the start of the drive has reached the set time T1 (step S8).
If not, the driving of the electric motor M1 is continued and T
Has reached T1, the driving of the electric motor M1 is stopped (step S9). Therefore, the set time T1 is set to a value sufficient to wind up the seal tapes 128a and 128b. As shown in FIG.
a (128b) is completely wound around the winding shaft 124,
When the toner discharge openings 108a (108b) are opened,
The toner T accommodated in the container 100 is discharged downward through the toner discharge openings 150a (150b) and the toner receiving opening 34, and is supplied into the toner conveying unit 6.

Next, the container 10 of the toner cartridge 16
All the toner T stored in the toner cartridge 0 is consumed, and it is necessary to replace the toner cartridge 16 with a new one (this occurrence is detected, for example, by detecting the toner in the toner transport unit 6). The operation of taking out the toner cartridge in this case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Toner cartridge 1 mounted in toner cartridge storage means 14
To remove the toner cartridge 6, the operator turns on the toner cartridge removal switch SW7. Then, the operation of taking out the toner cartridge 16 is started. Control means 180
Checks whether or not the toner cartridge ejection switch 7 is ON (step P1).
7 is ON, the toner cartridge detection switch SW
It is confirmed whether or not 5 is ON (step P2).
This is for confirming that the toner cartridge 16 is mounted on the toner cartridge accommodating means 14. If the toner cartridge 16 is not mounted on the toner cartridge accommodating means 14, the toner cartridge removing operation is not required. Because. If the toner cartridge detection switch SW5 is ON in Step P2, since the toner cartridge 16 is mounted in the toner cartridge accommodating means 14, the control means 18
In step P3, the control goes to step P3 to drive the electric motor M2 of the lifting / lowering means. When the electric motor M2 is driven, the elevating gear 56 (58) is rotated in the direction of arrow A from the state shown in FIG. 8, so that the elevating pin 60 (62) is connected to the cam groove 170a.
(170b) engages with the upper wall 175a (175b) and rotates to move the toner cartridge 16 upward.
The lifting pins 60 (6) of the lifting gears 56 and 58
2) is about 30 from the lowest point position which is the mounting position shown in FIG.
When reaching the rotated position shown in FIG. 9, the second lifting pin position detection switch SW2 is turned on. When the control means 180 drives the electric motor M2,
It is checked whether or not the second lifting pin position detection switch SW2 has been turned on (step P4). If it has not been turned on, the drive of the electric motor M2 is continued, and if it has been turned on, the drive of the electric motor M2 is stopped ( Step P5). This state is shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 13, in which the toner cartridge 16 is positioned at the shutter operation position raised about 5 mm from the loading position. After stopping the electric motor M2, the control means 180 drives the electric motor M3 of the shutter operating means to rotate forward (step P6). Electric motor M3
Is driven forward, the pulley 80 (82) rotates in the direction of arrow C in FIG.
2 (94) is operated in the direction of arrow D to move the shutter slider 96 (98) in the direction of arrow D. With this movement, the shutter slider 96 (98) moves the shutter member 1
The shutter member 130 is pulled out by engaging with both end portions of the engagement member 134 of FIG. 30, and the engagement member 134 is moved to a predetermined position on the pulley 80 side as shown in FIG. When the shutter member 130 is pulled out in this manner, the toner discharge openings 150a and 150b are
Is covered by the shutter sheet 132. When the shutter slider 96 moves to a predetermined position on the pulley 80 side shown in FIG. 12, the first slider position detection switch SW3 is turned on. When the control unit 180 drives the electric motor M3 forward in step P6, the control unit 180 checks whether the first slider position detection switch SW3 is turned on (step P7). If not, the control unit 180 drives the electric motor M3 forward. Is continued, and if it is turned on, the electric motor M3 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction (step P8). Electric motor M
3 is driven in the reverse direction, the pulley 80 (8
2) is rotated in the direction of arrow E, and the shutter slider 96 (98) moves in the direction of arrow F to pulley 84 (8).
6), and the second slider position detection switch SW4 is turned on at this position.
The control means 180 determines in step P8 that the electric motor M3
Is driven in the reverse direction, the second slider position detection switch S
It is checked whether or not W4 has been turned on (step P9). If not turned on, the reverse drive of the electric motor M3 is continued, and if turned on, the reverse drive of the electric motor M3 is stopped (step P10). Thus, the shutter member 1
30 is pulled out, and when the drive of the electric motor M3 is stopped by covering the toner discharge openings 150a and 150b, the control means 180 drives the electric motor M2 (step P1).
1). The electric motor M2 is driven to move the lifting gears 56 and 58
Is further rotated in the direction of the arrow from the state of FIG. 7, the elevating pin 60 (62) is moved to the upper wall 17 of the cam grooves 170a and 170b.
5a (173b) to rotate and move the toner cartridge 16 upward. When the toner cartridge 16 is moved to the attachment / detachment position shown in FIG. 6, the first lifting pin position detection switch SWI is turned off. The control means 180 determines in step P11
When the electric motor M2 is driven, it is checked whether or not the first lifting pin position detection switch SWI is turned on (step P12).
The drive of the electric motor M2 is stopped (Step P13). The state in which the driving of the electric motor M2 is stopped in this way is shown in FIG. 6, and the elevating pin 60 (62) is connected to the cam grooves 170a and 170.
The toner cartridge 16 can be replaced by being positioned at a position corresponding to the inlet / outlet 172a (172b) of b. As described above, since the operation of the elevating unit 50, the sealing tape winding unit, and the shutter operating unit is controlled by the control unit 180, the toner cartridge mounting switch SW
The toner cartridge 14 can be automatically positioned at the mounting position or the attaching / detaching position only by turning on the toner cartridge 6 or the toner cartridge removal switch 7.

The preferred embodiments of the electrostatic latent image developing device constructed according to the present invention and the toner cartridge applied thereto have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and it is not necessary to say that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the other end of the shutter sheet 132 constituting the shutter member 130 extends upward through the front end of the front extension 110 and is stored. A rotating shaft on which the 132 is wound may be provided on the side of the container 100, and the shutter sheet 132 may be wound around the rotating shaft.

[0032]

The electrostatic latent image developing apparatus according to the present invention and the toner cartridge applied to the same are constructed as described above. Apart from the sealing tape for closing the toner discharge opening formed in the container, the toner discharge opening is formed. A shutter member disposed on one side and movable across the toner discharge opening to the other side and covering the toner discharge opening; Since the toner is moved from the edge to the other edge to cover the toner discharge opening, even if a small amount of toner remains in the container, the toner does not scatter around. Further, since the seal tape and the shutter member are not provided with an opening as in the above-described prior art, their rigidity is maintained and the toner discharge opening can be reliably covered without being displaced during movement. Further, according to the present invention, the control means for controlling the operation of the toner cartridge elevating means, the seal tape winding means and the shutter operating means based on the empty signal of the command means for outputting the mounting and removing signals of the toner cartridge is provided. Since the toner cartridge is provided, the toner cartridge can be automatically positioned at the mounting position or the mounting / removing position only by the operator instructing mounting or removal by the command means.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of an electrostatic latent image developing device constructed according to the present invention, in which a toner cartridge is disassembled and a part is shown in a cross section.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of a toner cartridge accommodating unit in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an operation sequence of an elevating pin position detecting means of the elevating means provided in the toner cartridge accommodating means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembled state and the assembled state of the toner cartridge in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1, as viewed from the bottom.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the elevating means in a state where the toner cartridge is inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the elevating means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 in a state where the toner cartridge inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means starts to descend.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the elevating means in a state where the toner cartridge inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 is positioned at a predetermined mounting position.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the elevating means showing a state in which the toner cartridge inserted into the toner cartridge accommodating means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 is positioned at a position slightly elevated from a predetermined mounting position.

10 is a cross-sectional view showing a mode in which a tape member of the toner cartridge in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 is moved to open a toner discharge opening of the toner cartridge.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a sealing tape winding unit in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 in a state where winding of the sealing tape is started.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a seal tape winding means in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 and showing a state where the seal tape is wound halfway;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of shutter operation means showing a state where the shutter member in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 starts operating.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of shutter operation means showing a state where a shutter member in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1 is operated.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a shutter operating unit in the electrostatic latent image developing device illustrated in FIG. 1 is returned to a predetermined position.

16 is a schematic black diagram of a control unit for controlling operation of a lifting unit, a sealing tape winding unit, and a shutter operation unit in the electrostatic latent image developing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a toner cartridge mounting operation of the control means shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a toner cartridge removal operation of the control unit shown in FIG. 16;

[Explanation of symbols]

 2: electrostatic latent image developing device 14: toner cartridge storage means 16: toner cartridge 24: stationary support frame 34: toner receiving opening 36: seal member 42: gear (output means) 43: transmission means 50: elevating means 56: elevating / lowering Gear 57: Cam 58: Lifting gear 60: Lifting pin 62: Lifting pin 64: Power transmission mechanism 66: Connection shaft 68: Connection gear 70: Connection gear 72: Shutter operating means 74: Drive shaft 76: Gear 78: Power transmission mechanism 80: Pulley 82: Pulley 84: Pulley 86: Pulley 92: Timing belt 94: Timing belt 96: Shutter slider 98: Shutter slider 100: Synthetic resin container 102: Base portion 104: Container main portion 116: Lower wall 108a: Toner Discharge opening container 108b: Toner discharge opening container 115: Locking claw 11 7: locking claw 118a: welding projection 118b: welding projection 124: winding shaft 126: gear (input means) 128a: sealing tape 128b: sealing tape 130: shutter member 132: shutter sheet 134: engagement member 170a: Cam groove 180: Control means T: Toner SW1: First lifting / lowering pin position detection switch SW2: Second lifting / lowering pin position detection switch SW3: First slider position detection switch SW4: First slider position detection switch SW5: Toner Cartridge detection switch SW6: Toner cartridge mounting switch SW7: Toner cartridge removal switch M1: Electric motor M2: Electric motor M3: Electric motor

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Katsuhiro Higashiya 1-2-28 Tamazo, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi Inside Mita Kogyo Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-5-289515 (JP, A) JP-A-5 JP-A-216344 (JP, A) JP-A-60-102665 (JP, A) JP-A-5-19625 (JP, A) JP-A-63-86652 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. . ^7, DB name) G03G 15/08

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A toner cartridge comprising: a container having a toner discharge opening; toner contained in the container; a seal tape for closing the toner discharge opening; and winding means for winding up the seal tape; and a toner receiving opening. And a toner cartridge housing means for detachably mounting the toner cartridge. When the toner cartridge is mounted at a predetermined mounting position of the toner cartridge housing means, the toner discharge opening faces the toner receiving opening. A toner cartridge, wherein the toner cartridge is disposed on one side of the toner discharge opening, and is configured to be movable to the other side across the toner discharge opening and cover the toner discharge opening. A member, and the toner cartridge accommodating means is provided with a front end edge of the shutter member at the toner discharge opening. A shutter actuating means for moving from the edge side to the other edge side, wherein the toner receiving opening of the toner cartridge accommodating means is formed larger than the toner discharging opening, and a seal member is provided along the periphery of the toner receiving opening. The seal member and the lower surface wall of the container having the toner discharge opening are configured to be in pressure contact with each other, and the seal tape is attached to the lower surface wall inside the pressure contact portion. Electrostatic latent image developing device. 2. The electrostatic latent image developing device according to claim 1, wherein said shutter member is disposed outside said pressure contact portion. 3. The toner cartridge accommodating means includes means for moving the toner cartridge from a mounting position to at least a shutter operating position at which the seal member and the lower surface wall of the container are separated, and the shutter operating means includes a toner operating means. 2. The electrostatic latent image developing device according to claim 1, wherein the shutter member is operated when the cartridge is located at the shutter operating position. 4. A toner cartridge having a container having a toner discharge opening, toner contained in the container and a seal tape for closing the toner discharge opening, and a toner cartridge having a toner receiving opening, which is detachably mounted. An electrostatic latent image developing device, comprising: a toner cartridge accommodating means, wherein when the toner cartridge is mounted at a predetermined mounting position of the toner cartridge accommodating means, the toner discharge opening is positioned to face the toner receiving opening. in, the toner cartridge is composed of an engaging member made of a rigid material mounted to the shutter seat and the tip edge of the shutter sheet having flexibility, the shutter is disposed on one edge side of said toner discharge opening The other end of the sheet is on the side of the container
A shutter member that extends along the wall and is housed so as to be movable to the other edge side across the toner discharge opening, and that covers the toner discharge opening; An electrostatic latent image developing device, comprising: shutter operating means for engaging and moving the leading edge of the shutter sheet from one edge side of the toner discharge opening to the other edge side. 5. A shutter operating means, comprising: two shutter sliders respectively disposed on both sides of the toner receiving opening so as to be movable along an edge of the toner receiving opening and engaged with the engaging member of the shutter member. 5. The electrostatic latent image developing device according to claim 4, further comprising: means for moving the shutter slider along the edge of the toner receiving opening. 6. A toner cartridge comprising a container having a toner discharge opening, toner contained in the container and a sealing tape for closing the toner discharge opening, and a toner cartridge having a toner receiving opening, which is detachably mounted. A toner cartridge housing means, a shutter member disposed on one side of the toner discharge opening in the toner cartridge, configured to be movable across the toner discharge opening to the other side, and covering the toner discharge opening; A toner cartridge elevating means for moving the cartridge between the attachment / detachment position and the predetermined mounting position; a seal tape winding means for winding the seal tape; and a leading edge of the shutter member is moved from one edge side of the toner discharge opening to the other edge side. Shutter operating means, and a command for outputting a signal for mounting and removing the toner cartridge. Means for controlling the operation of the toner cartridge elevating means, the seal tape winding means, and the shutter operating means based on a signal from the command means. Based on the cartridge mounting signal, the toner cartridge elevating means is operated to move the toner cartridge to a predetermined mounting position, and then the seal tape winding means is operated to wind up the seal tape, and the toner cartridge is taken out from the command means. Based on the signal, the toner cartridge elevating means is operated to position the toner cartridge at a shutter operating position which is elevated by a predetermined amount from a predetermined mounting position, and then the shutter operating means is operated to move the leading edge of the shutter member to the toner discharge opening. From one side to the other side, and then operate the toner cartridge lifting / lowering means Positioning the toner cartridge in the detachable position, the electrostatic latent image developing device, characterized in that. 7. A container having a toner discharge opening, and the container
The toner contained in the toner discharge opening
A seal tab that is detachably attached and closes the toner discharge opening
And a toner discharge opening disposed on one side of the toner discharge opening.
The toner is configured to be movable to the other edge side across the outlet.
A shutter member for covering the discharge opening;
Shutter sheet whose material is flexible, and the shutter sheet
And an engaging member made of a rigid material
ComposedAnd the other end of the shutter sheet is
It extends along the side wall and is stored.  A toner cartridge, characterized in that: 8. A winding shaft to which a tip of the sealing tape is connected, wherein a winding portion of the sealing tape of the winding shaft is disposed in a closed space formed above a lower surface wall of the container. The toner cartridge according to claim 7, wherein: